The Phillies' NLDS opponent is a lot more uncertain than it was just 24 hours ago, which means there is a chance that the Reds' naming of Edinson Volquez as their Game 1 starter could prove to be irrelevant (playoff scenarios below). But if the Phils' do end up playing the Reds, they'll face a guy who matches up well against them.

Playoff scenarios, plus Volquez to start for Reds in Game 1

David Murphy, Daily News Staff Writer

Posted:
Saturday, October 2, 2010, 7:30 PM

The Phillies' NLDS opponent is a lot more uncertain than it was just 24 hours ago, which means there is a chance that the Reds' naming of Edinson Volquez as their Game 1 starter could prove to be irrelevant (playoff scenarios below). But if the Phils' do end up playing the Reds, they'll face a guy who matches up well against them.

Lefties are hitting .229 with a .691 OPS against Volquez with 33 strikeouts in 105 at-bats. They also have one home run against him. Righties: .273 AVG, .776 OPS, 34 strikeouts in 128 at-bats with five home runs.

As we noted in our previous post on the Reds' rotation possibilities, 23-year-old lefty Travis Wood would seem to make a lot of sense in Game 2. Which begs the question: Does Bronson Arroyo or Johnny Cueto get the other start?

You can read a breakdown of all of the Reds' pitchers in the previous post.

The Phillies could end up playing the Reds, Giants or Padres in the first round, which begins Wednesday at Citizens Bank Park. The Braves and Padres are tied for the NL Wild Card heading into the final day of the regular season. The Padres are also one game behind the Giants for the NL West division lead.

On Sunday. . .

If the Phillies lose and the Padres lose, the Phillies will play the Reds.

If the Phillies win and the Padres win, the Phillies will play the Giants.

Now, here is where it gets complicated.

If the Phillies win and the Padres lose, the Padres and Braves will play a one-game playoff at Turner Field on Monday. If the Padres win that game, the Phillies will play the Padres. If the Braves win, the Phillies will play the Reds.

If the Phillies lose and the Padres win, the Phillies will have to wait until Tuesday to find out who they play. First, the Padres and Giants will play a one-game playoff on Monday to determine the NL West winner. The loser of that game will then fly country to play the Braves on Tuesday to determine the Wild Card winner. If the Braves win the playoff, the Phillies play the Reds. If the Padres win the playoff, the Phillies play the Padres.